328 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OE SCOTLAND FOR 1883, 



crop would not exceed 15 tons, and little re-sowing was required. Xo extra 

 insects. Many crops were injured by the rank growth of the ordinary 

 weeds which always appear in wet weather. Pastures of full growth, but 

 not so good quality as last year. Stock did not thrive so well, owing to 

 inferior quality of the pasture. The county is C[uite free from disease. 

 The wool was of good cjuality, and about an average weight ; but prices still 

 rule low — about lOd. per lb. for Cheviot. 



Peeblesshire. — Xo wheat. Barley will average about 32 bushels ; the 

 quality generally not very good ; weight of straw about an average ; not 

 so good a crop as last year. There is now considerably less of this cereal 

 grown than formerly. Oats, about 38 bushels ; weight and equality of grain 

 not up to last year ; straw about an average ; oats did not ripen equally, 

 consequently there is a quantity of light grain. Harvest began about from 

 ten days to a fortnight after the usual time ; early ploughed land had, as is 

 generally the case, the advantage both as to bulk of crop and being sooner 

 ready for cutting. Hay crop would average about 30 cwt., a much lighter 

 croj) than last year, but generally well got. ]\Ieadow hay, a lighter crop 

 than last year, and under average. The yield of the potato crop would be 

 about 4h tons, as compared with last year considerably less. Disease began 

 to show itself, especially among Eegents, early in October, and has increased 

 in the pits, in many cases one-third of the tubers being affected. The 

 weight per acre of the turnip crop would average about 15 tons ; rather 

 lighter than last year, and the feeding properties not so good. The crop 

 brairded well, and in very few cases was second sowing necessary. There 

 was little or no ajDparent injury done by insects. Ou well-cultivated land 

 the injury done by weeds was very inconsiderable. Pastures were very 

 late of coming away in the spring, and hill stock suffered in consequence. 

 The quality of grass was good ; stock generally throve well, and there was 

 no disease in the county. The clip of wool, especially among hill stock, 

 very much under the average, and very low in price. 



Dumfriesshire (Upper Xithsdale). — Xo wheat and almost no barley 

 grown. Oats under an average crop ; quantity from 30 to 32 bushels, and 

 a deal of light corn from not being well ripened. Harvest late, beginning 

 about the 20th of September. Hay, a short crop, not over a ton, and under 

 average Cjuality. Meadow hay crop considerably less than last year. 

 Potato crop above an average, about 5 tons; not much disease. Turnips, a 

 much better crop than last year, 15 tons ; quality good ; brairded well ; very 

 little second so'ftTiig. Damage by insects not more than usual, and injury 

 from weeds more than usual, in consecjuence of wet cold summer. Pastures 

 under an average in quantity and quality, and neither cattle nor sheep made 

 their usual progress. XoL more than average disease; quality of wool clip 

 under an average, and not quite average weight. 



Stewartrt of Kirkcudbright. — HarcUy any wheat grown. Barley, 30 

 bushels, average quantity of grain ; quality poorer, straw rather hea\aer ; 

 seed, 4 bushels. Oats, 50 bushels, average quantity ; equality of both 

 grain and straw much damaged by protracted harvest ; seed, 5i bushels 

 per acre. Harvest ten days late. Hay crop, quantity 37 cwt,; similar 

 quantity, but better got. Meadow hay, quantity 25 cwt. ; much lighter ; 

 crop better got. Potato crop, quantity 8 tons ; better crop ; little disease ; 

 general complaints about smallness of Champions. Xo new varieties 

 grown. Turnip crop, 15 tons; similar to last year's crop; regular braird; 

 only one sowing. Injuiiy by insects not appreciable; slight damage by 

 grub on lea-sown corn. Xot much damage by weeds, although great 

 growth o^\T.ng to wet season. Pastures above average growth; feeding 

 C[uality considerably lower. Stock throve poorly, when no extra feeding 



